Living in Egremont

Community life in Egremont is shaped by centuries-old tradition coupled with a contemporary sense of belonging. The annual Egremont Crab Fair, held every September since 1267, draws crowds from across Cumbria and features local produce, parades, music, and the famous Gurning World Championships. Regular farmers’ markets, as well as church fêtes and carnival events, foster connection among residents.

Local halls and community centres, such as the Market Hall, host social groups, workshops, and sporting events. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy access to riverside walks, woodland trails on the edges of the Lake District, and easy cycling routes. The Castle and Florence Arts Centre provide cultural programming ranging from exhibitions to theatre.

The town prides itself on neighbourliness and a welcoming attitude towards newcomers, with a robust volunteering spirit evident in town projects and charity events.

Egremont is widely regarded as a safe community with relatively low levels of crime compared to larger urban areas in the North West. Most incidents tend to be low-level, typically property-related or minor anti-social behaviour, with very few serious offences reported in recent years.

The presence of a dedicated local policing team ensures ongoing community engagement and visible patrolling. The town centre benefits from neighbourhood watch initiatives and regular safety campaigns focused on crime prevention. According to Cumbria Constabulary and recent Police UK data, Egremont maintains a crime rate below the national average—especially in residential areas towards the outskirts.

Some regeneration has taken place around the town centre, improving street lighting and surveillance which further enhances safety, particularly during local events when visitor numbers increase.

Parking in Egremont is generally straightforward, with several free and pay-and-display car parks located centrally, such as those at Market Place and Bridge End. On-street parking is available in most residential streets, and parking restrictions are minimal in comparison to larger towns. This makes daily errands, shopping, or school runs relatively hassle-free for locals.

Resident permits are only required for a limited number of streets close to the centre during busy event days, and road congestion is rare, even during peak hours. Egremont is situated on the A595, providing a direct dual carriageway link north and south. The A66 and A596 are also easily accessible for trips towards the Lake District, Keswick, and Penrith.

Nearby places and times by main roads:

• Whitehaven – approx. 10 minutes via A595 (5 miles)
• Workington – approx. 25 minutes via A595 (16 miles)
• Carlisle – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via A595/A66 (47 miles)
• Keswick – approx. 45 minutes via A66 (28 miles)

Egremont features a welcoming food and drink scene centred on its traditional pubs, family-run eateries, and friendly cafés. Popular venues include The Globe Inn and The Falcon Club, both local favourites for pub classics and real ales. The town also boasts several takeaway options spanning fish and chips, Indian cuisine, and Chinese food, serving both residents and visitors alike.

Select cafés such as Café West and The Bridge End offer home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and baked treats. Pubs often serve as the social heart of the community, regularly hosting quiz nights and live music. For those seeking more vibrant nightlife or a broader choice of restaurants and bars, Whitehaven is just a short drive away and offers cocktail bars, theatres, and late-night venues.

Overall, Egremont’s social scene is relaxed and community-focused, suiting those who prefer a sociable but calm evening environment.

School quality: Families in Egremont benefit from access to well-regarded primary and secondary schools, with Ofsted ratings consistently strong and excellent provisions for special educational needs.

Parks and green space: There are well-tended parks and play areas, including Egremont Castle grounds and many small green spaces dotted through residential areas—excellent for children to play in safe surroundings.

Childcare: Local nurseries and after-school clubs support working families, while nearby early years settings in Whitehaven add to the choice.

Safety: The low crime rate and visible local policing help reassure parents and caregivers; community watch initiatives add an extra layer of security.

Family activities: Activities for all ages are available, including swimming at local leisure centres, library programmes, and family days during the Crab Fair.

Egremont is highly accommodating when it comes to pets, particularly dogs. The town is well served by expansive green spaces, riverside paths for walks, and quick access to the Western Lake District’s abundance of footpaths and bridleways. The grounds of Egremont Castle are popular with dog walkers, while the nearby coast and St Bees Head Heritage Coast offer scenic outings for pets and owners.

Local amenities include veterinary practices and pet supply shops. Many cafés and pubs in the area welcome dogs, contributing to a generally pet-friendly atmosphere. Housing tends to support pet ownership, with most properties offering generous gardens or access to outdoor space.

Egremont's location in Cumbria ensures road and public transport links suitable for both commuting and leisure travel. While it does not have its own railway station, the town benefits from proximity to other key local stations and reliable bus services.

The closest station is in St Bees, approximately three miles away, offering Northern Rail services along the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. Whitehaven station is also nearby, providing further links to the regional network.

Local and regional buses run frequent services connecting Egremont to Whitehaven (for further rail and retail access), Workington, and Sellafield. Road access is supported by the A595, which bypasses the town and provides a primary route north to Carlisle and south towards Barrow-in-Furness.

Commuting Times by transport links:

• Whitehaven: approx. 10 minutes by car or local bus
• Sellafield: approx. 15 minutes by car (major employer in the area)
• Carlisle: approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by car via A595/A66
• Workington: approx. 25 minutes by car or local bus
• Manchester Airport: approx. 2 hours by car (nearest major airport)

Egremont supports a strong range of local educational facilities with a reputation for inclusiveness and community support.

Primary Schools: The most notable primary school is Bookwell Primary School, which has a positive local reputation and received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted in 2018. Orgill Primary School also serves the town and was similarly rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. St Bridget’s Catholic Primary School is another local option, which maintains a 'Good' Ofsted rating as of 2019. Both secular and religious primary schooling is well provided for.

Secondary Schools: Egremont’s main secondary school is West Lakes Academy. This academy, located just outside the centre, is renowned in the region and earned an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted in 2014. It is one of the leading schools in West Cumbria and offers comprehensive facilities for students up to age 18.

Further Education & Colleges: While Egremont itself does not have a standalone college, students typically travel to nearby Whitehaven for West Cumberland College, which offers vocational, A-level, and technical courses. The Lakes College, located in Lillyhall near Workington, is accessible by public transport and provides advanced courses and apprenticeships.

Universities: Egremont does not directly host a university, but the University of Cumbria has campuses in Carlisle and Lancaster, both commutable for older students and mature learners seeking to stay in the region. Specialist support for lifelong learning is also available in partnership with local colleges.